Vande Mataram singing mandatory in J'khand

Jharkhand government will make the singing of 'Vande Mataram' mandatory in all educational institutions of the state.

Jharkhand government will make the singing of Vande Mataram mandatory in all educational institutions of the state on September 7, Chief Minister Arjun Munda said on Thursday.

Directions to this effect would be issued soon, Munda said.

Meanwhile, BJP's Jharkhand unit president Yadunath Pandey said in a statement in Ranchi that the BJP has directed its cadres at various levels to ensure rendition of the national song as per the party's national programme.

The national leadership of the BJP has already directed all BJP-ruled states to make the recital of the song mandatory in educational institutions.

Commenting on the decision, the spokesman of BJP's alliance partner JD(U), Pramod Mishra, said an individual should feel proud to sing the national song.

"But it should not be imposed on anybody. We should also respect the feelings of the minority community," he added.

JPCC general secretary Sailesh Sinha said, "There are no two opinions on the importance of the national song. But keeping the nation's secular credential, rendition of Vande Mataram should be made mandatory.